DEI Fundamentals for Volunteers

What you’ll learn

• Define diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging — and how they fit together
• Tell the difference between equity and equality, and why it matters in service
• Recognize implicit bias in yourself and use practical tactics to counter it
• Spot microaggressions, use inclusive language, and practice cultural humility
• Help create a sense of belonging for everyone you serve and serve alongside

Course outline

1. 1

   Diversity, equity, inclusion — and belonging

   5 min

2. 2

   Equity vs. equality

   5 min

3. 3

   Why it matters when you serve

   4 min

4. 4

   Implicit bias — and how to counter it

   6 min

5. 5

   Microaggressions & inclusive language

   5 min

6. 6

   Cultural humility

   4 min

7. 7

   Creating belonging — put it together

   4 min

Sources & further reading

• National Council of Nonprofits — Why Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Matter for Nonprofits
• BoardSource — Diversity, Equity & Inclusion initiative
• NH Center for Nonprofits — What Do We Mean by DEI? (Diversity, Equity & Inclusion definitions)
• Project Implicit (Harvard University) — Implicit Association Test — measuring attitudes outside conscious awareness
• Tervalon & Murray-García (J. Health Care Poor Underserved, 1998) — Cultural Humility Versus Cultural Competence